Eichaed watson



(No Model.)

R. WATSON.

VBLOGIPBDE.

No. 863,189. Patented May 1'7, 1887.

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UNITED STATES .ATENT OFFICE.,

RICHARD YVATSON, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF ON EHALF TO JOHNGRANT, OF SAME PLACE.

VELOCIPEDE.;

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 363,189, dated May 17,1887.

Application filed January I3, 1857. Serial No. $221,178. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD WAVTsoN, of

Detroit, in the county of VVayue and Stale of to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements intricycles.

The invention consists in the peculiar construction and arrangement ofsprocket-wheels and the drive-shaft for rotating the rear axledirectlyby the pedal action, in theeonstruetion and application of meansfor regulating the tension of the drive-chain, and in the peculiarconstruction, arrangement, and combination of the various parts, all asmore fully hereinafter set forth.

Figure l is a perspective view of my improved tricycle, and Fig. 2 is atop plan of the same. I Fig. 3 is a detail, referred to hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, Arepresents the backbone, which supports the seat B. The forward end ofthis backbone is pivotally secured to the steering rod or pest C, whileits rear end is bifurcated, as shown, and is provided with properbearings for the rotating shaft D, which carries the rear Wheels, E. Thelower end of the steeri'ngpost C is bifurcated, as shown, and carriesthe steeringwheel F.

G are parallel reach-bars, the forward ends of which are connected to aY-piece, H, the latter being pivotally secured in any proper manner tothe steeringpost. The rear ends of these reach bars or rods G are bentoutwardly and secured to the bifurcated arms of the backbone. Y

I is ayoke, the upper end of which is secured to the backbone, while thelower ends of such yoke engage with T-pieces J, which form the upperhalf of alclamp-box, K,(shown in Fig. 3,) being provided with ajournalbearing, L, for the reception of the shaft M, to which is securedthe treadle-levers N.

O is a sprocket-wheel secu red upon the shaft M between the arms of theyoke I.

P is a similar sprocket-wheel secured upon the rear axle or shaft, D,and R is an endless drive-chain,.engaging with and driven by thesesprocket-wheels. ends ofthe yokeI to the rear bars in the mannerdescribed, it will readily be seen that the lower ends of such yoke canbe readily moved forward or backward by releasing the clampboXes andagain securing them to the reachbars, thereby affording efficient meansfor taking up the slack or regulating the tension of the drive-chain.

The sprocket-wheel O, being much larger in diameter than the wheel l?,enables the rider to propel the machine at a veryhigh rate of speed. Hehas also all the benefits that may arise from the use of a bicyclewithout the danger of upsetting or taking headers W'hat I claim as myinvention is 1. A tricycle-frame consisting of the backbone A,steering-post C, reaeh-bars Cr, and

yoke I, all connected together, and the Y- shaped piece H, connectingsaid reach-bars and steering-post, substantially as described.

2. The combination of'the backbone A, steering-post C, and reach-bars Gwith the yoke I and clamp-boxes K on said bars, and engaging the lowerend of said yoke, said boxes being formed of T-shaped pieces J,substantially-as and for the purposes described.

3; In a trieycle, the combination of the backbone A, steering-post C,pivotally secured to the forward end of said backbone, shaft D, wheels EF, reach-bars G, pivotally secured at their front ends tothe post C,yoke I, adjustable upon the reach-bars G, clampboXes'K, shaft M,treadle-levers N, sprocketwheels O I), and drive-chain R, whenconstructed, arranged,and operating substantially in the manner and forthe purposes specified.

RICHARD WATSON.

Viitnesses:

H. S. SPRAGUE, E.- SCULLY,

In securing the lower

